Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Peace...

Kevin is the hardest person I know to buy gifts for! It has been a long standing joke for years that when you ask him what he wants for Christmas or his Birthday, he replies..."World Peace!" We laugh, knowing that he is joking, but what a blessing and wonderful gift that would be! In reality, it is only a dream. A dream that became substantially more distant on September 11, 2001.

I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing, when I heard that the first plane had hit the North Tower of the World Trade Center. The despair and horror remains so vivid in my mind, as I spent the entire day, watching the events unfold on TV.
Fifteen months later, I had the opportunity, on my first trip to NYC, to visit Ground Zero. I can't adequately describe what I felt that day, standing on the sidewalk, looking down into that enormous crater, so deep and large, that the giant escavators, dump trucks, and other heavy equipment took on the appearance of tiny match box cars!

Ironically, the sculpture below, entitled "The Sphere," was conceived by artist Fritz Koenig, as a symbol of world peace. For three decades, it stood in the plaza of the World Trade Center until it was damaged by the tragic event of September 11. Airplane parts pierced the steel and bronze shell of the 45,000 pounds structure.



Today, "The Sphere" has a new home. (See picture below...) It rests in Battery Park, with a plaque that reads, "...(The Sphere) endures as an icon of hope and the indestructable spirit of this country. 'The Sphere' was placed here on March 11, 2002 as a temporary memorial to all who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center. The eternal flame (part of the memorial), was ignited on September 11, 2002 in honor of all those who were lost. Their spirit and sacrifice will never be forgotten."




Our hotel was right around the corner from Engine 54 Ladder 4 ~ 9th Battalion. We talked with the firefighters outside the station several times in passing, during our stay in NYC. This particular station lost several members, and the ones left behind could not talk about 9/11 in any great length or detail. The pain was still too fresh, and evident in their faces! My heart just broke for those men.

I've written before in previous post, that at times it is hard not to question why and how such tragic events can be allowed to happen. But, as believers we have the assurance that this earth is only temporary. Our home in Heaven will be a place of "No More Night, No more pain, No more tears, Never crying again!" ...no more terrorism, no more war, no more disease, no more death....All things will be new and perfect, there! I'd like to share the song by David Phelps, "No More Night......" (You can listen to it on my Playlist ...beautiful song!)


No More Night

The timeless theme, earth and heaven will pass away.
It’s not a dream, God will make all things new that day.
Gone is the curse from which I stumbled and fell.
Evil is banished to eternal hell.

No more night. No more pain.No more tears.
Never crying again.
And praises to the great "I AM."
We will live in the light of the risen Lamb.
See all around, now the nations bow down to sing.
The only sound is the praises to Christ, our King.
Slowly the names from the book are read.
I know the King, so there’s no need to dread.

No more night. No more pain. No more tears.
Never crying again.
And praises to the great "I AM."
We will live in the light ofthe risen Lamb.

See over there, there’s a mansion,
oh that’s prepared just for me,
where I will live with my savior eternally.

No more night. No more pain. No more tears.
Never crying again.
And praises to the great "I AM."
We will live in the light of the risen Lamb.

All praises to the great "I AM."
We’re gonna live in the light of the risen Lamb.




"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." John 14:27

"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33


We will likely never see peace on this earth as we know it. But God gives us hope, and promise of peace and life everlasting, forevermore, in our Heavenly home with Him! What a glorious day that will be!

May God Bless those who lost loved ones, friends, and family members on 9/11! ~Rhonda

34 comments:

Anonymous said...

Morning sweet Rhonda! What a touching post this morning. What a tragic event and we should never forget!
Thanks for popping in. I know, I'm a silly and hope I haven't offended anyone. Sometimes my silliness gets out of hand ~ I have to keep a check on myself ~ don't tell anyone!!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

mysteryhistorymom said...

Rhonda- What a beautiful post. We shall never forget that tragic day, yet we shall look forward to our time with the Lord in heaven!:-) Lori

Lovely song!

duchess said...

What a beautiful tribute to those who were forever touched by that awful day.
As the years pass, so many Americans have forgotten what it was like to be under attack in our own country. Maybe tomorrow's ceremonies will serve as a reminder of what we need to defend.

Thanks for your sweet words and promises of what we have to look forward to.

onlymehere said...

Rhonda, you have such a beautiful way with words! This was a very touching tribute and the song gave me chills! You've touched my heart today and I know you'll touch many more. If only there was a way we could give Kevin his gift of world peace, it would be the gift that truly kept on giving!

JoAnne said...

What a wonderful tribute. I hadn't heard of the sphere before - thanks for sharing.

smiles, JoAnne

Kathi said...

Rhonda, This was a beautiful tribute and comfort with the Scriptures. Thanks. Kathi

Unknown said...

Rhonda, what a beautiful and encouraging post! And that song is wonderful - brought tears to my eyes.

Thank you for such wonderful words today.

Mrs. B said...

What a beautiful and touching post Rhonda. I'll never forget that morning. It was just so tragic. I bet visiting ground zero must have been very emotional.

Anonymous said...

And, God truly has blessed America. Thank you for the wonderful tribute.

Anonymous said...

That date...9/11. It will always hold some memories. Not all bad though. I remember thanking the good Lord and feeling so blessed. I liked that idea you had.. I wish I could give world peace. Im having trouble just trying to get supper cooked right now, smile. Take care my sweet friend~

Anonymous said...

I have not had the opportunity to visit Ground Zero but I can only imagine how it must have felt. We will never forget, I can't believe it's been 7 years. Thanks for that beautiful post today and the scripture.

Hugs,
LeAnn:)

Anonymous said...

Beautiful post, Rhonda. Thank you so much.

Deb said...

Very Beautiful and heart felt Rhonda. Peace to you my friend. Deb

Anonymous said...

Such a touching post. My son called me that day and asked what I was doing. I was cleaning the house. He told me to turn on the TV because we were being attacked. I'll never forget that day as long as I live. So senseless. All of those people dying at the hands of terrorists, but I saw God in all the faces of the people who went about helping and caring for others. Peace be with you too.

Dawn said...

Rhonda what a thoughtful and timely post. It is still so emotional. I can't imagine what visiting ground zero would be like.

I wasn't aware of the sphere. Thank you for sharing that with us.

I like to think that through this horrible tragedy many people have a different feeling about the importance of their lives and all those we touch. I know I like to think we are creating peace one person and one day at a time.

take care,
Dawn

Power Up Love said...

the greatest gift...

Debra from Bungalow said...

I have visited ground zero too & it was s hard to be there & not be overwhelmed.....it's a day the world will never forget.
HUgs, DebraK

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

Hi Rhonda,
Thank you for your prayers and concern for my daughter:) Her birthday is Sept 11th...
I see that it wasn't my turn to win a giveaway, maybe next time. I also enjoyed learning more about you from one of your posts.
Warmly, Deb :)

Tracie~MyPetiteMaison said...

Hi Rhonda,
What a beautiful post. I too remember (as I'm sure most people do) right where I was at the moment we heard. We had two cousins in The Pentagon and were in shock like the rest of the country. Watching and waiting...

Thank you for sharing the bible verses, there is only hope and not fear in His word.
~Tracie

Lisa (aka) French said...

Thanks so much for all the kind words~~~I remember all too well this day and exactly where I was~~sometimes I still get goosebumps~~~Thanks for all the kind words and support it has truly been appreciated! French;)

artis1111 said...

The week it happened I could not find a flag to put on my van. So I srarted painting, and painting. In the end I had a firefighter and the flag with the buildings behind on fire. I kept in on the van for 4 years. I only took it off when I got rid of the van.Kathy

Monogram Queen said...

Very good post Rhonda! May we never forget.........

Jen - Balancing Beauty and Bedlam said...

It is nearly impossible to believe that 4 years have gone by already. I echo your amazing post this morning.

tincanlily said...

Is world peace really too much to ask for? We will never forget 9/11. My daughter now works in Manhattan. I worry about her being there. It is where she needs to be for career, she is a graphic designer...so much opportunity. She has a great job. But still we worry...heck it is NYC a mother would worry just about that. She has been there for 5 years now including 4 years at college.
Let's all wish for wolrd peace!
denise

Marie said...

What a beautiful post today, Rhonda! Someday I hope to visit NYC again and ground zero. What a change since my last visit.

onlymehere said...

Rhonda, thank you for telling me about that book! I went right to Amazon and put it on my wish list (which is huge). It looks like a book I'd like! Thanks for your support on my posts this week. I also, would like to think that I'm just passionate about things and not obsessed but I appreciate you reaffirming it for me! I have a post you'll be interested in that I'm going to do on Saturday (not pink for Saturday though) that I think you'll like! Yeah, I think you know what it's about too! Have a great day and I'll see you Saturday in the blogs!

Michelle said...

A very touching post...thanks for remembering...it's a day we will all never forget...

M.L. @ The House of Whimsy said...

Thanks for the inspiring post today Rhonda. I always keep coming back to your blog because we both have "whimsy" in our Title.

Have a good day,
M.L.

Nance said...

What a beautiful song and I love the lyrics!
I felt the same thing when i saw The Sphere ... un-describable.

Blessings,
nance

Artfulife said...

I too will never forget where I was when I watched as the planes crashed into the towers. It still brings tears to my eyes. Life is so precious!
I love your blog and your beautiful decorating ideas, I mentioned you on my post today. Can't wait to visit your blog again, and thank you for such a lovely tribute to all those who lost their lives on that fateful day.

Picket said...

Hey Scooter...that is an absolutely beautiful post my friend! I want you to know I appreciate and take to heart any advice that comes from you...as one sister in the Lord to another I love you so and I am humbled that you have prayed and called my name out to God for me...There are no words to tell you how my heart feels but God knows I am so thankful to call you my friend..take care sweetie and have a great Frdiay!

Lisa (aka) French said...

Again~~~thank YOU! Off to Kmart over the weekend to check it out;) French

Nancy Rosalina said...

Hi Rhonda, This a WONDERFUL post! I have read several post about 911 but yours has touched my heart!!! I can't wait to get to that heavenly home! This world is not my home, I'm only passing through! Blessings to you! Nancy

Rue said...

Very touching post Rhonda. Our lives are forever changed.

God Bless America

hugs,
rue